The ductless heat pump is a relatively new option for home heating that offers:

• Efficient operation at outside temperatures of 17°F and above without electric backup
• Quiet operation, both indoors and outdoors
• Heating and cooling
• Simplified installation

Ductless heat pumps are appropriate for both replacement of existing heating systems, especially baseboard/wall heaters, as well as for new construction. Ductless heat pumps have been installed in commercial buildings for more than 20 years and are available from many manufacturers.
 
Ductless heat pumps are very efficient for several reasons: 

• Because the heated or cooled air is delivered directly to the room, ductless heat pumps avoid efficiency losses associated with ductwork – typically 15-20 percent.
• Variable speed compressor models, usually labeled “inverter technology,” avoid on-off cycling losses and are able to provide usable heat efficiency on all but very cold days.
• Because they provide heat/cooling to specific areas of the house, they can be more efficient since each “zone” can be heated to the desired temperature. Because they provide heat/cooling to specific areas of the house, they can be more efficient since each “zone” can be heated or cooled to the desired temperature. 

Ductless heat pumps are sometimes called a “mini-split” heat pumps. They operate on the same principle as traditional heat pumps, using electricity to move heat between outdoor and indoor air by compressing and expanding a refrigerant. New mini split ductless heat pumps use the newer, environmentally friendly R 410A refrigerant. Depending on the rated capacity, they require 110- or 220-volt AC power. 

Locations where you can install a ductless system?

Uses for Ductless Heat Pumps
Ductless mini split heat pumps can be used in any area of your home, Homes with open floor plans are especially easy to heat and cool with ductless systems, because each indoor air handler can serve the entire “zone” not blocked by doorways. Some typical applications for ductless pumps include:
 
Replacing an existing zoned heating system – Many homes in the Hampton Roads area have electric baseboard heat/ Ductless heat pumps can replace existing electric baseboard/wall units and hot water heating systems. A cost-effective electric heat conversion in a small house might consist of single system serving the main area of the house, leaving existing electric baseboards in bedrooms and bathrooms.
 

Finished Room Over Your Garage – Rooms over garages are very difficult to heat and cool using ductwork from your main system. Rooms over garages are typically to hot in the summer and to cool in the winter. This is another application where ductless heat pumps can provide efficient heating and cooling allowing you to keep the room over your garage at the temperature you select year around.

Room additions – Another application for ductless heat pumps is when a room is added to a house or an attic is converted to living space. Rather than extending the home’s existing ductwork or pipes, or adding electric resistance heaters, the ductless heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling.
 
New construction – New homes can be designed or adapted to take advantage of the characteristics of ductless heat pumps. Typically one or more systems might be installed in various “zones” of the house to simplify installation and minimize refrigerant line length.

How do ductless systems work?

Ductless systems utilize heat pump technology to distribute warm or cool air more quietly and efficiently than traditional electric heaters. With three main components, ductless heat pumps are easily installed by a professional in less than a day.

Benefits of a ductless system

A ductless heat pump increases the flexibility of your home’s heating system and your ability to control the temperature. Using the ductless system as your primary heat source, you can ensure that the entire home is comfortable, even on the coldest days.

• Monthly savings
• Increased comfort
• Heating and cooling in one system
• Air purifying filters
• Easy, low-cost installation
• No ducting
• Incentive opportunities